UCLA Thanks First Responders With Free Tix

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the answer to your friend’s question: “How do you always know what’s going on?”

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• Some School Yards Will Stay Fenced Off When Classes Start

• Free UCLA Football Tickets for First Responders

• Events This Wednesday & Thursday

• Civil News

• Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

P.S. If you’re not already following @newsn_roses on Instagram, we’d love to have you there! We also have a Facebook page! The newsletter’s growing quickly, and it’s a fun way to stay connected and keep the local vibes going. Thanks for being part of it!

THE DIGEST

Some School Yards Will Stay Fenced Off When Classes Start

Pasadena Unified has been testing soil at 34 school sites this summer. Sixteen have been cleared for use, but 18 still need more cleanup before the state signs off. Until then, certain planters, walkways, playgrounds, and even some athletic fields will remain fenced.

The district says the fencing is there to keep kids out of areas where tests found contamination, and that the main health risk comes from swallowing or inhaling too much dust from the soil. Principals know which areas are closed, and parents will get updates once each site gets clearance from the state.

Free UCLA Football Tickets for First Responders

UCLA is kicking off its 2025 season at the Rose Bowl on August 30 with a big “thank you” to first responders. Head coach DeShaun Foster announced that anyone with valid first responder ID can get free tickets to the game as part of a tribute to those who protected UCLA and the community during recent wildfires and other emergencies. Links to claim tickets are on UCLA Football’s Instagram.

@NEWSN_ROSES

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

Wednesday

• 🤝 Pasadena Rotary Weekly Club Meeting: Robert Shoji, ShowG Productions: Learn the history behind “When Little Tokyo was Bronzeville” as guest speaker Robert Shoji shares this fascinating chapter of Los Angeles’ past. Wednesday, August 13 at 12:00PM.

• 🎹 Music at Noon: Jason Sia: Take a midweek break with concert pianist Jason Sia, performing a half hour of masterworks by Bach, Chopin, Debussy, Gershwin, and more. Wednesday, August 13 from 12:10PM–12:40PM.

• 🛍️ Etsy 101 Workshop: Class 3 – Etsy Listings Set Up: Get hands-on guidance for setting up your Etsy listings and creating eye-catching images with Canva—perfect for turning your craft into a business. Wednesday, August 13 at 3:30PM.

• 📚 Black Genius – Author Event: Tre Johnson discusses his new essay collection on the legacy of Black American innovation, joined in conversation by local author Rasheed Newsom. Wednesday, August 13 from 6:00PM–7:30PM.

• 🍷 Wine & Song: Dan Bern; Tristen & Delaney; Guest Host Ed Donnelly: An outdoor South Pasadena evening of genre-bending music—Dan Bern’s folk-rock mastery meets Tristen & Delaney’s soulful Americana, hosted by Ed Donnelly. Wednesday, August 13 at 7:00PM.

Thursday

• ☕ “Meet Me at the Village!” – In Person Edition: Enjoy coffee, bagels, and conversation at this casual Pasadena Village gathering—open to friends old and new. Thursday, August 14 at 10:00AM.

• 🥦 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: Stroll under the trees by the Gold Line station and shop fresh, California-grown produce, enjoy prepared foods, and catch live music. Thursday, August 14 from 4:00PM–7:00PM.

• ✍️ Writer’s Block: Creative Writing & Meaningful Connection: At Octavia’s Bookshelf, writers of all levels can gather to create, share, and connect in a supportive space—led by poet and writer Zahida Sherman. Thursday, August 14 from 6:00PM–7:00PM.

• 🥾 Thursday Evening Conditioning Hike, La Cañada Flintridge: This is a steady 5-mile climb up Earl Canyon Motorway with 1,300 feet of gain—good for getting the heart rate up and catching city views after dark. Thursday, August 14 at 6:45PM.

• 💃 Descanso Gardens Summer Music and Dance Series: Pacifico Dance Company: An evening of color, rhythm, and storytelling as Pacifico Dance Company brings vibrant dance traditions to the Rose Pavilion and amphitheater. Thursday, August 14 from 5:30PM–6:45PM.

• 🎥 Library Outdoor Movie Night: The Matrix: Caltech is closing out its summer outdoor movie series with the 1999 sci-fi classic that made everyone question reality. Bring a blanket or chair, grab some free popcorn, and watch The Matrix under the stars at the Sherman Fairchild Library East Amphitheater. Thursday, August 14 from 8:00PM–10:00PM.

Coming Up Soon…

• 🎭 Rumors: A High Tea, Immersive Theatre Experience: I’ve been to one of these high-tea immersive shows at Madeline Garden Bistro before and really loved it—the atmosphere, the food, and the way the performance unfolds right around you. This time, it’s Neil Simon’s razor-sharp farce Rumors, where a dinner party unravels into scandal and hilarity. The full English high tea includes cream scones with clotted cream and jam, a summer salad, assorted tea sandwiches and savories, and desserts like crème brûlée, tiramisu, and chocolate strawberries. Friday, August 15 & Saturday, August 16.

• 🎼 Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome at Mount Wilson Observatory: Experience chamber music inside the historic 100-inch telescope dome—an architectural and acoustic marvel where science meets art. Performances at 3:00PM and 5:00PM, with a 4:00PM reception under the pines. Sunday, August 17.

• 🚗 Cruising Colorado: Route 66 & Pasadena’s Car Scene: Stroll a stretch of Colorado Boulevard and explore Pasadena’s deep ties to Route 66 and car culture, from classic cruisers to local automotive history. Sunday, August 17 from 5:30PM–7:30PM.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. These are just the things you need to know. I’ll always let you know if something is sponsored!

CIVIL NEWS

Human Services Commission Meeting

A monthly discussion focused on addressing unmet human service needs and improving quality of life for Pasadena residents of all ages, held at the Jackie Robinson Community Center. Wednesday, August 13 at 6:00PM.

Planning Commission Meeting

The commission reviews Pasadena’s General Plan, zoning, and development projects that shape the city’s future. Wednesday, August 13 at 6:30PM.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Wednesday

87 🌡️ 65 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 52 (Moderate)

Thursday

86 🌡️ 65 |☀️| 💨 S 7 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎹 Music at Noon: Jason Sia: Take a midweek break with concert pianist Jason Sia, performing a half hour of masterworks by Bach, Chopin, Debussy, Gershwin, and more. Wednesday, August 13 from 12:10PM–12:40PM.

• 🎼 Music in the Chinese Garden: Stroll through the Garden of Flowing Fragrance as live, unamplified melodies on traditional Chinese instruments fill the air. Wednesday, August 13 at 1:00PM.

• 🎶 Amapola Players Presents Xochi Cuicatl Flower Songs Music: Christopher Garcia shares the instruments, poetry, and wisdom of Mesoamerican and Mexican traditions in an evening of music and storytelling. Wednesday, August 13 at 7:00PM.

• 🎸 The David Eastlee Trio at Edwin Mills: An evening of jazz standards from guitarist David Eastlee and his trio, joined by saxophonist Doug Webb. Wednesday, August 13 from 6:00PM–10:00PM.

• 🎵 Jones House Band at Jones Coffee Roasters: A vibrant mix of pop, retro, and original tunes from a trio of seasoned musicians—perfect accompaniment to the South Pasadena Farmers’ Market next door. Thursday, August 14 at 4:00PM.

• 🎸 Doug MacDonald at Edwin Mills: West Coast jazz guitarist Doug MacDonald brings his warm tone and swing to Old Pasadena for an evening of standards with his trio. Thursday, August 14 from 6:00PM–10:00PM.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who doesn’t want summer vacation to end. 😢

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